DeSoto government officials to host special events for public

DeSoto County will offer a variety of public-participation activities in June in an attempt to demystify county government for the average citizen.

County Government Month will feature open houses, presentations and special events like a mock Board of Supervisors meeting for youth June 11.

It begins with a teleconference, "Be Safe Online," at the DeSoto County Extension Service office Tuesday and Wednesday. Parents can learn how to protect their children from Internet hazards.

Also planned is an open house week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 9-13 at all county government offices: courthouse, administration building and elsewhere.

"We want everybody to know these are their buildings," said Vanessa Lynchard, county director of administrative services.

Lynchard said DeSoto County is expanding on the concept of the National Association of Counties' County Government Week April 6-12.

Officials decided the county had too many programs and services to cover everything in a week, she said.

"The programs are designed to let people know what county government does and what's available to people," Lynchard said. "We're going to have a lot of different events going on the whole month."

In addition to a frequently asked questions session with the Board of Supervisors, at a date and time to be announced, there will be a mock board meeting at 2 p.m. June 11.

Young people who want to get a taste of what it's like to be a county supervisor can sign up by calling (662) 429-1460.

For the kickoff, officials chose the county-supported extension office, which is staffed by Mississippi State University's cooperative extension.

Free teleconferences are scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the extension office. People can sign up by calling (662) 429-1343.

The schedule includes a planning commission overview by planning director Jim McDougal at 7 p.m. June 23; a Justice Court program by court clerk Shirley Beshears 6-7 p.m. June 24; and County Judge Allen Couch explaining youth court and youth services at 6:30 p.m. June 25.

-- Wayne Risher: (662) 996-1421

DeSoto County Government Month

A partial schedule of activities; more will be announced as dates and times are finalized: